Raku Firing
Adult Multi-Week | Registration opens 4/9/2025 9:00 AM EDT
The focus of each session is the raku process. Participants will need to have 6 bisque fire pieces ready to raku for this class. We will raku 1 piece/week. Please have your first bisque piece ready to fire for the first class. There will be time to work o
Accessibility notes: Many artmaking processes require the ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time, fine motor skills/finger dexterity, repetitive motions, vision, and some amount of physical strength. VisArts values making classes accessible to everyone, and is always happy to work with students to make accommodations when possible. Please reach out to info@visarts.org with specific questions related to accessibility or accommodations.
Raku firing is an active, hands-on process that involves working with fire and ceramics at high temperatures. Participants should be aware of the following physical requirements:- - **Lifting & Carrying:** Students will need to safely lift and move buckets filled with pottery and combustible materials. This may require moderate upper body strength.
- - **Mobility & Quick Movement:** The process involves moving between the kiln, reduction bins, and water quenching areas, sometimes at a brisk pace. Participants should be comfortable with quick, controlled movements in a dynamic environment.
- - **Heat & Outdoor Elements:** The firing takes place outdoors, often in varying weather conditions. Heat sensitivity should be considered, as students will be near an open kiln and flames.
- If you have any physical limitations, please reach out before the class so we can discuss possible accommodations or ways to modify participation for your safety and enjoyment.
Classes are confirmed one week prior to the start date. In order to help us confirm classes, please register as early as possible.
Please bring a towel and a set of basic clay tools if you have them.
The fees for this class do not include any clay, but do cover studio glazes and raku firing fees. Students will need to bring their own bisqued pieces to fire.
On-site courses do not come with studio access outside of class time. Paid open studio access is available through our Studio Access Program. Please visit visarts.org for more information.
Holly Zajur
As a potter, educator, writer, and yoga instructor, Holly Zajur is a little bit of everything all rolled into one! Holly traveled to Nicaragua with Potters for Peace and was awarded Best in 3D Visual Art at Trinity Episcopal School for IB Ceramics in 2011. During her college years, she was sad to see that the University of Virginia did not have a ceramics program. After taking sculpture and drawing classes, she made it a priority to have a ceramics program at Uva. Holly co-founded and was president of Ceramics Club at the University of Virginia, which is currently thriving at the University. Holly has studied with Lee Hazelgrove, Amy Chaplin, and “The Clay Lady”, Danielle McDaniel in Nashville, TN. Ceramics has been one of the most grounding, meditative practices throughout her life and she loves sharing this gift with others.
Website: www.hollyzajur.com